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Complimentary Fishing in Texas State Parks

Striped bass and hybrid striped bass caught at Lake Tawakoni State Park

Now that cooler weather is just around the corner, plan a day or weekend to appreciate being in the outdoors with a fishing trip to your favorite state park.

You can fish at a Texas state park from shore or a pier without a license or endorsements, but regulations still apply. Many parks loan fishing gear, making a park visit the perfect opportunity to introduce friends and family to fishing. Just bring bait and a smile.

Check out the fishing at these state parks:

• Sheldon Lake – Houston area, fishing tips  
• Lake Tawakoni – DFW area, fishing tips
• Lake Somerville – Austin area, fishing tips
• Lake Whitney – Waco area, fishing tips
• Lake Colorado City – Midland area, fishing tips

It's always a good idea to get your state park camping or day pass reservations in advance. See you out there!

Quick and Easy Blackened Fish Bites

If you collect quick, simple and tasty recipes, add Blackened Fish Bites to your list. It's a fun change from battered and fried fish. Any flaky, firm white fish should work for this 5-ingredient recipe. Prep is a snap – and the kids can help shake the bag. Got some white fish in the freezer? Try it tonight!

Don’t Miss the Bull Red Run

As summer turns to fall, bull reds, which are oversized red drum (or redfish) leave our bays and head for the Gulf.

They use deep channels to get there, making jetties at the exits of those passes prime fishing spots. You'll also find success fishing for reds from piers and in the surf. For catch-and-release tips, watch the short video Cap’n Spud: Red Drum Line.

The bag limit for red drum is 3 and size limit is 20"-28". Bull reds are longer than 28", and license holders are allowed 1 per year but it must be tagged. You can purchase a bonus tag to take 1 more bull red per year. See the Outdoor Annual for all red drum tag requirements. 

Join us at Sea Center Texas for the Bull Red Run-A-Palooza on Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. until noon. We're also offering a free online class, Fishing for Bull Reds, on 10/10 – register today and get your spot. 

We've focused on conserving and managing red drum for many years, and today you can find them in any Texas bay. Find out how this species declined and recovered in the video H-E-B | Our Texas, Our Future Films: Redfish Revival.

Your Need-to-Know for 2023-24

These are some of the fishing-related changes for the 2023-24 license year: Community Fishing Lakes' regulations were changed to make those angling experiences as easy and enjoyable as possible, details in our press release.  The shortfin mako shark is now a prohibited species. You can now report your red snapper landings on the My Texas Hunt Harvest (MTHH) app; the iSnapper app is being discontinued. All commercial and recreational anglers must use a venting tool or rigged descending device on reef fish exhibiting signs of barotrauma. Watch this 2-minute video on using Fish Descending Devices. For more information see our press release. You'll find all new regulation changes in the Outdoor Annual online or in the app.

New River Access Areas

If you're looking for a new place to fish, our River Access  and Conservation Area program has added two new river access areas - one on the Brazos River and one on the San Marcos River.

We make agreements with private landowners that allow you river access across private land. Use these areas for fishing and launching non-motorized boats. Check for details and limitations on individual leased areas before you head out.

Take part in this program to experience wild parts of Texas that not many people have been able to enjoy. See what the experience can be like in our video The Rivers Are Yours – Paddling and Angling Access. 

Why Does O.H. Ivie Have So Many Big Bass?

O.H. Ivie Lake has given up 39 Legacy Lunkers and many Legend Class entries over the past 3 ShareLunker collection seasons. How does O.H. Ivie do it? One reason is the weather. Discover how we think O.H. Ivie became Texas' reigning ShareLunker lake in our video Why Are There So Many BIG Bass at O.H. Ivie?.

Women Anglers: Did You Know?

Did you know women who fish not only enjoy themselves, but say they gain confidence, patience and more from fishing? Find out the benefits in How Texas Women Experience Being on the Water.  If you're a female angler – or want to become one – join one of the online social groups exclusive to women who fish. Or join an in-person group, like Texas Women Fly Fishers. Both can help you find fishing-friends and advice as you share experiences unique to female anglers.

Request for Your Input on Spotted Seatrout

We would like your input on spotted seatrout harvest regulations, including bag and size limits. Temporary regulations expired on 8/31, and former bag and size limits were reinstated.

Our Coastal Fisheries staff will host several public meetings to gather input on spotted seatrout management options. For a list of meeting locations and more information, see our press release TPWD Sets Public Meetings to Gather Input on Spotted Seatrout Management. 

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